¹⁵ If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me^(A)—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.”

²⁰ I eagerly expect^(A) and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage^(B) so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,^(C) whether by life or by death.^{(D) 21} For to me, to live is Christ^(E) and to die is gain. ²² If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³ I am torn between the two: I desire to depart^(F) and be with Christ,^(G) which is better by far; ²⁴ but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

⁸ When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die,^(A) and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.”

⁹ But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”^(B)

“It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.”

³ Now, Lord, take away my life,^(A) for it is better for me to die^(B) than to live.”^(C)

⁴ while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush,^(A) sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life;^(B) I am no better than my ancestors.”

³² But now, please forgive their sin^(A)—but if not, then blot me^(B) out of the book^(C) you have written.”

⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature^(A) and complete, not lacking anything.